Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in America, is enjoyed by people of all ages but carries a risk of injuries, especially during the summer when outdoor play is most common. Dr. Preya Patel from WellSpan Sports Medicine notes that common injuries include ankle injuries from quick movements, knee sprains, aggravated arthritis, hip strains, wrist fractures from falls, and general muscle strains. To prevent these injuries, Dr. Patel emphasizes the importance of strengthening exercises targeting the hips and knees, along with proper warm-up stretches such as neck rotations, shoulder rolls, arm stretches, and squats to prepare the body for play.
In addition to warm-ups, specific strengthening exercises like ankle flexion with a towel or resistance band, quad stretches by pulling the ankle toward the glutes, and hamstring stretches by pulling the knee toward the chest are recommended to reduce injury risk. These exercises help strengthen key muscles and tendons, supporting joint stability and flexibility. For serious injuries, WellSpan Sports Medicine offers expert care, and players are encouraged to prioritize injury prevention to enjoy the game safely.
